Hundreds evacuated, 3 lightly injured as forest near historic area goes up in flames

A firefighting plane tries to extinguish a large brush fire behind the the Russian Church in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Ein Kerem, Wednesday, June 25, 2014. (photo credit: Flash90)

A major forest fire that broke out Wednesday afternoon near the Jerusalem neighborhood of Ein Kerem was brought under control by the evening.

“The centers of the blaze are under control,” said Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino. “We can say that most of the places that caught fire were put out, and there are no new ones. All the areas are under control.”

Winds shifted direction mid-afternoon, and crews were focusing on prevented the flames from reaching the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum complex, which sits on a nearby hill. Yad Vashem employees were evacuated in the late afternoon.

The section of the light rail system near the forest was also shut down.

Three people were lightly injured by smoke inhalation, according to Channel 2.

Ein Kerem, a picturesque neighborhood in the capital, is home to several significant Christian sites, and the Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem is located nearby.

Another fire broke out near the village of Nataf near Abu Ghosh Wednesday. Five firefighting teams arrived at the scene.

By signing up, you agree to our
terms
You hereby accept The Times of Israel Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and you agree to receive the latest news & offers from The Times of Israel and its partners or ad sponsors.